Page 7 - MidWeek - May 18, 2022

“(The late) Mayor John Wilson made the solemn commitment to adorn each grave at Punchbowl with a fresh lei in recognition and gratitude of the sacrifices made by the interned service members, honoring the true essence of Memori- al Day in a uniquely Hawaiian way,” Fukunaga shares. “I want to continue that practice and want to have everyone at Punchbowl receive a lei.”
defend our country.”
Any leftover lei will go to Hawai‘i State
Fukunaga encourages the community to drop off lei at Honolulu Hale or Kap- olei Hale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 27. On this day, lei can also be dropped off at any O‘ahu fire station or federal fire stations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Veteran’s Cemetery in Kāne’ohe.
With help, Fukunaga believes the committee can reach its goal. She has coordinated the Sew A Lei event for the past seven years and notes the reason she is so passionate about serving her community is because “it’s what makes
By providing a venue for the food truck at the ASB cam-
For more information on Kupu, follow on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube, or visit kupuhawaii.org.
the world go round.”
“By doing community service, you
MAY 18, 2022 MIDWEEK 7
This year mark’s the 71st mayor’s Memorial Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (also known as Punchbowl). Recreation specialist Iris Fukunaga of the city Department of Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry Division with Honolulu Botanical Gardens is helping collect lei for the occasion.
K
education nonprofit and in partnership with long-time supporter American Savings Bank — has launched a food truck at ASB’s main cam- pus in downtown Honolulu. It’s more than a lunch truck, though.
As head of the Sew a Lei Committee, Fukunaga is determined to reach the group’s goal of 38,000 lei. Whether its plumeria, orchid or ti leaf, any fresh lei donation will be accepted — it just needs to be 20-22 inches in length, and tied.
The individuals working in- side the food truck are mem- bers of Kupu’s culinary pro- gram, which provides youth, usually ages 16-19, access to a GED pathway, paid work opportunities, individual case management, volunteer con- servation experiences, a dai- ly meal program, and other necessities such as showers and a laundry room. To date, the program has graduated 87 youth with an alternative high
Prior to the COVID-19 pan- demic, Marleen N. was falling behind in school and trying to catch up so she could graduate on time. Once the pandemic hit, she was thrown complete- ly off track and eventually dropped out of school because she felt that she had no chance to graduate. She came to Kupu with a commitment to getting her GED, and fell in love with the people and the food. She also found a new love for learning, including how to work in a kitchen and now, the Kupu food truck. Marleen has one test left to meet her GED graduation requirements.
The truck is open Mon- days-Fridays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The truck is cashless, so dig- ital payments only (all cards are accepted). Check out the menu or order online to avoid standing in line at kupuhawaii. square.site/kupu-food-truck. Follow @kupufoodtruck on Instagram for daily specials and more.
Iris Fukunaga
PROOF POSITIVE
Cooking Up A Better Future
By Kaulana McCabe, senior program manager with Kupu
upu — Hawai‘i’s leading conser- vation and youth
school diploma. Kupu also has culinary program alumni who have secured staff roles in the food truck.
pus, the Kupu culinary team is able to provide convenient, nutritious and locally sourced lunches to ASB teammates and the community. In turn, the experience is making a real difference in lives like Marleen’s, and 100% of food sales will help support Kupu’s programs.
“Everyone knows someone who has served or is currently serving in the military,” Fukunaga says. “It could be a family member or friend. We are grateful to these men and women who have made tremendous sacrifices to
strengthen your community, yourself and others,” Fukunaga explains. “With many hands, the work gets lighter and done faster.”
For more information, visit honolu- lu.gov/parks/program/182-site-dpr- cat/27367-memorial-day.html.
— Tasha Mero
Kupu’s Ho’okupu Center staff and members in front of the Kupu food truck. PHOTOS COURTESY KUPU
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